Self Care
What is the most important thing to know about self-care?
The most important thing to know about self care is that it’s not a luxury, but a necessity for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is the conscious and deliberate act of taking care of oneself to maintain a healthy and balanced life.
How does self care impact mental health?
Self care is like emotional maintenance—it doesn’t just feel good, it’s foundational
Do you always know when you need self-care?
The answer is that many people don’t always know when they need to practice self-care. It’s not a skill we’re often taught, and the signs can be easy to miss when we’re busy or stressed.
What are some common signs that you might need to prioritize self-care?
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed: You feel like you’re constantly running on a treadmill and can’t catch up. Small things feel like huge obstacles.
Physical symptoms: You’re experiencing headaches, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping. Your body is trying to tell you something.
Emotional exhaustion: You feel drained, irritable, or unusually sad. You may be snapping at people or feeling disconnected from your loved ones.
Loss of interest: The hobbies and activities you used to enjoy don’t bring you joy anymore. You’re feeling unmotivated and apathetic.
Learning to recognize these signals is a key part of making self-care a regular practice. It’s about tuning into your body and mind and acknowledging when you need to slow down and recharge.
What are some self care activities?
Physical Self Care
- Go for a walk
- Stretch or practice Yoga
- Take a nap
Mental and Emotional Self Care
- Journal your thoughts
- Read a book
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Say “no” to something
Creative Self Care
- Try a new hobby
- Colour – I use an app called Oil Painting and colour 2 or 3 pictures a day
- Jigsaw puzzles – I also use an app and do one puzzle a day
- Listen to music you enjoy
- Watch a comforting movie
Social Self Care
- Call or text a friend
- Plan a low key hangout
- Join a group or class
Somatic and Body based practices
- Progressive muscle relaxation – slowly tensing and releasing muscle groups to reconnect with the body
- Massage or acupuncture
- Grounding Rituals – walking barefoot on grass, use a weighted blanket
Sensory Nourishment
- Sound baths or ambient playlists
- Aromatherapy with intention
- Visual detox – reduce screen time
Micro-Journalling and Emotional Release
- One line journaling – use language like “today I felt…”
- Burn Letters – write out frustrations or grief and burn the letters
- Voice memos to self – speaking thoughts aloud to release pressure
Spiritual and Reflective Practices
- Mini rituals – an affirmation
- Legacy journalling – writing what you have learned from the person you’re caring for
- Gratitude Scavenger hunt – finding 3 small things that make you happy
Connection without Obligation
- Silent companionship – sitting with someone without needing to talk
- Digital pen pals – exchanging short supportive messages to other caregivers
- Caregiver buddy checkins – a weekly emoji or one word text of support